By Sarah Omondi
Azimio-One Kenya Coalition and Kenya Kwanza have breathed sigh of relief after the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission pushed the deadline for Presidential aspirants to name their running mates.
Deputy President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga are the presidential aspirants for Kenya Kwanza and Azimio respectively.
The electoral agency had set April 28 as the deadline for presidential and gubernatorial aspirants to submit names of their running mates but pushed the date following consultative meeting with leaders from both camps on Tuesday.
The meeting was to be held on Monday but IEBC Chair Wafula Chebukati postponed to Wednesday (today) following engagements over death of former President Mwai Kibaki.
“We have after consultative meetings agreed to push to May 16 the deadline for submission of Presidential and gubernatorial aspirants and their running mates,” Mr Chebukati said.
Azimio team has already appointed an advisory panel to recommend possible running mates even sources revealed that popularity of possible deputies would be considered in the process.
The time will allow both camps consult widely and address emerging issues including possible dissatisfaction by those interested in deputizing the two leaders.
Among those being poised as Mr Odinga’s running mates include Narc Kenya Leader Martha Karua, former Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth, Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Agriculture CS Peter Munya.
Tharaka Nithi Senator Kithure Kindiki, Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua and National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi have been named as DP Ruto’s likely running mates.
The deadline for other elective seats of MCA, MP, Senator and Woman Rep remains April 28.
